43. Rose and her Birthday Present.
A little girl called Rose had a kind auntie who sent her half a sovereign for a birthday present. Rose was delighted with the money, and was always talking of the many nice things it would buy, but she never thought of writing and thanking her auntie. That was not grateful, was it? When we receive anything, we should always think at once of the giver, and express our thanks without delay. That is why we say "grace" before eating: we wish to thank our kind Father above for giving us the nice food to eat.
The days went by, and still auntie received no word of thanks from her little niece. Then a letter came asking, "Has Rosy had my letter with the present?" Rose answered this, and said she had received the letter, and sent many thanks for the present. But how ashamed she must have felt that she had not written before! It is not nice to have to ask people for their thanks or gratitude; it ought to be given freely without asking.
Little Vernon's father had a tricycle, and one day he fixed up a seat in front for his little boy, and took him for a nice, long ride.
Vernon sat facing his father, and he was so delighted with the ride, and so grateful to his kind father for bringing him, that he could not help putting his arms round his father's neck sometimes, and giving him a kiss as they went along. Vernon's father told me this himself, and I was glad to know that the little boy possessed this precious gift of gratitude, for it is a lovely "stone" to have in the Temple we are building.
(Blackboard.)
Do not forget to be Grateful for Kindness; and do not forget to Show it.
XVIII. SELF-HELP.
45. The Crow and the Pitcher.